Wooster council approves $500,000 bid authorization for Madison Hill booster-station upgrades

Wooster City Council on June 2, 2025 approved Resolution 2025-42 authorizing the city to advertise for bids and enter a contract for improvements to the Madison Hill Booster Pump Station, an estimated $500,000 project to replace pumps, piping and electrical equipment and add a natural-gas backup generator.

The upgrade will replace all internal components of the existing building while leaving the structure in place. Council member Warden, who presented the item, said the station’s pumps and electrical equipment “were installed in the early 1970s and are now obsolete.” Warden told the council the station is the city’s only nonredundant booster and continuously supplies the South high-pressure zone with water. The planned work converts the station from three pumps to two and adds a natural-gas generator to supply power during outages.

Public works staff member Fritz was present to answer technical questions. The administration described the project as budgeted and recommended immediate enactment so the work can be put out for bid. Council member Warden moved to adopt the resolution; Council member Ruse seconded. A roll-call vote recorded all yes votes (Wharden/Wharton listed by roll call as presenting and voting in the transcript): Wharden/Wharton — yes; Abernathy — yes; Myers — yes; Gaffey — yes; Huzei/Hizet — yes. The motion carried and the council authorized proceeding to bid and contracting with the lowest and best bidder once bids are received.

Next steps are advertising the work according to law, receiving bids, and returning to council with a recommendation to award the contract. The resolution allows for immediate enactment so procurement can proceed without delay.